Dyanmic Moms and Daughters

Mothers and Daughters, not always the easiest relationships but perhaps the most influential in a woman's life. Can't even imagine what it would be like to parent while the world watches or while struggling to keep up the fame. Here are some interesting talented Moms who had interesting talented daughters.....and yes, we'll need to revisit this for mothers day!! Here's to women! 

Judy and Liza. Amazing careers for both women.

"A Star is Born" (1954) - Very tricky to beat Janet Gaynor and Fredrick March (" A Star is Born, 1937) but Judy Garland and James Mason come very very close to the mark. If not compared to the earlier version, this Garland film is fantastic.

"New York, New York" (1977) - An okay film with a played out plot- DeNiro is not his best, yet Liza plays it well, her nervous energy takes her scenes beyond the films framework. She is terrific.

Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley- it would be difficult to decide who lived the more romantic, adventurous life for a woman of the time period. Sadly, Mary Shelley didn't know her mother, 

but certainly lived in the shadow of her writings, life choices 

and advocacy of woman's rights. 

They are the perfect pair to celebrate women, 

film and books.

Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 

"A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" (1792) - Feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft, in response to a report stating women should only receive a domestic education, wrote this well crafted tome. Not creating a utopia like Christine De Pizan's "The Book of the City of Ladies" (1405) but enveloping women as partners and equals, a contributor to society as important as men. 

"Frankenstein" ( Anonymously published in 1818, aka "The Modern Prometheus") & (1931, James Whale, dir) - Obviously a story that captures the imagination of each generation as it continues to be published and remade as a film. Various interpretations are all interestingly handled, although nothing is as amazing as the original book and this second film. Heavily dripping with social commentary, the book is best read once straight through before attempting to follow along with the notions of modern interpretations. 

Jayne Mansfield and Mariska Hargitay approached success and acting in completely different ways. Mansfield, the woman best known for being famous, has a vast list of films to her name. While Hargitay seems to prefer being a working actor to being 'famous'. 

"The Girl Can't Help It" (1956) - Probably Mansfield's best know film other than "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter" - this work reflects the joyful color popping comedy romp so popular in-between two of America's most devastating time periods. Mansfield plays her part well and helps carry a rather stiff Tom Ewell into playful comedy vampy sweetness. 

"Lake Placid" (1999) - While not a top billing, Hargitay makes a terrific impression. A thrill comedy with edgy moments. 
"Law & Order" etc....- With a tremendous selection of tv roles, Hargitay is popular and rewarded for her skills. Her characters range from intense and strong to quiet and intelligent- reaching several complex emotional levels.  

 

Happy Birthday Diane!

Today, 3.14 is not only PI day (yes, you should have some PIE to celebrate) but also the birthday of Diane Arbus. An adventurous life and tragic suicide at the age of 48, she left us a look at people that no one else could master. 

  What does this have to do with film you might ask? Oh, don't you love it when things come in full circles? Arbus can be celebrated as an interesting and artistic woman (yay! March!) but is surrounded by acting exploits. Her husband Allan Arbus, most remembered for his turn as Dr. Sydney Freedman on the tv show MASH, was an accomplished actor who starred in Robert Downey Sr's film "Greaser's Palace" (1972). 

 
"Fur"(2006) - The lithe wispy vision of Nicole Kidman brings the imaginary characterization of Diane Arbus to a ghostly level. The film is fun yet mysterious. Robert Downey jr. plays a new resident of the apartment building who captures the young housewife's sense of empathy and adventure.

 
"Master's of Photography: Diane Arbus" (1972) - A short film with Doon Arbus (Diane's daughter) not long after her mother's death. According to various sources Doon keeps a very tight control over the estate, including Diane's work and letters. This short is available online- a really interesting exploration.

 Amy and Doon Arbus 

Photos by Diane Arbus 

Triple Threat or the Hat Trick

A triple noted tribute to women authors, books to film and character actresses who bring the delightful Miss Jane Marple to life. Writing an astonishing 80 mysteries in addition to several plays and short stories, Ms. Agatha Christie can't be topped for creating the twisted ending that make sense! 

 8 actresses have filled the role of Miss Jane Marple but this tribute will adorn 3 of them with gushing praise. 

Margaret Rutherford delighted audiences with her stage career and worked well into her elder age. 

 "Murder Ahoy" (1964) - Perhaps having her real life husband, Stringer Davis, in the cast gave Rutherford the extra oomph she needed to play the part of Miss Marple in this buoy-ish bouncy almost sexy way. A full figured gregarious woman of strength and knowledge was not exactly the way Christie had the character written, but it works. 


Joan Hickson was the first Miss Marple I remember seeing. Perhaps the best suited to the character as it was written, Ms. Hickson had the role for 12 films.

"The Body in the Library" (1984, BBC TV) - A very cleverly written and executed story from the Christie books. BBC has an incredibly talented way of converting books to film. Cozy mysteries find a home on the BBC like no where else.  NOTE the appearance of Trudie Styler. 


Geraldine McEwan next to Joan Hickson is an ideal Miss Marple. With her smirky pleased smile and petite frame McEwan comes across on screen as a quiet, intelligent mischief maker who's ego doesn't ever get in the way of justice. Her turn on the sitcom "Mulberry" was a convoluted plot saved by her steadfast skills.Probably most notable as the voice of Miss Thripp in "Wallace and Gromit The Curse of the Were-rabbit".

"Ordeal by Innocence" (2007) - Delightful adaptation of Christie's novel for television. Also NOTE the appearances of Juliet Stevenson, Jane Seymour, and Richard Armitage (formerly of MI-5). 

Weird but Wonderful

There are certainly standards in Hollywood culture that 'hidden curriculum', if you will, claiming women should have certain elements to be successful. Yet, we must not forget that this culture also allows for the odd, the weird, the nonconformists. Independence and confidence offers a strong woman a different place in the top tiers. 

Here we salute the weird and wonderful careers of 3 working actresses. 

Helena Bonham Carter carries on a vivid career and maintains her style regardless of the critical view of the narrow minded drones. 

"Big Fish" (2003) - delightful twisted story filled with fantasy and sweeping vistas. Beautifully filmed. 

Tilda Swinton fits perfectly in every character she has chosen. Like Emma Thompson, Swinton can be any type of woman in any time period. She can even be a very convincing man. Her look & her swagger give off the delicate confidence that makes her likable. 

 "Broken Flowers" (2005) -  Oh How I LOVE any chance to talk about a Jim Jarmusch film- While one of several terrific characters, Swinton stands out. She is always, no matter how ordinarily the character, an oddly spoken, sincerely diverse individualist form.

Christina Ricci, child star with quirky roles- unfortunately did the Hollywood turn by loosing too much weight. Her choice of roles however, stays odd and interesting. 

"Black Snake Moan" (2006) - While the adverts hinted at a inappropriate relationship between the over sexualized young beauty and the elder black man in a southern location, giving the film a larger titillation factor than it really is..........the film turns into amazing story telling as the blues music mixes with the revelations of a friendship change both lives. 

Non-traditional beauties with a variation of film roles keeping these 3 actors in amazing careers. Their differences is what keeps them interesting, eclectic and formidable. 

Don't Look at the Birds

Novels, plays, non-fiction, and Dame of the British Crown, with marriage, motherhood and secret love affairs, Daphne Du Maurier lived a life of drama and romance. This might explain her talent for creating mystical, mysterious and luxurious characters. The uncertainty of her novels inspiration add to the creative depth of her writing. Often she depicts clearly who is good, but the evil or selfish becomes wrapped in foggy uncertainty. 

 It is extremely difficult to translate the novel to film well - we could go on for pages naming the ones that don't work. With an ability to build characters of depth and dimension, Du Maurier shows them so clearly, creates scenes of simple but thrilling tones and allows directors to retell her stories. 

"Rebecca" (1940, Alfred Hithcock dir, Winner Best Picture) - A tense layered story of romantic love vs. real love. The  genius move here is that Rebecca is a dream, a fantasy wrapped around the growth of the main character. She only becomes 'real' when her true nature is discovered. 

"Frenchman's Creek" (1944, Mitchel Leisen dir) - Fun typical 40's romp with swords is brought to a new level with the intrigue and development of the female lead. 

"The Birds" (1963, Alfred Hitchcock dir) - Another thrilling movie with a female central character. Based on a short story by Du Maurier who writes women that in some places appear to be uncertain and flighty but as we get to know them discover the strength and bravery it takes to live a full life beyond their circumstances. 

"Don't Look Now" (1973, Nicolas Roeg dir) - Spooky short story turned into 70's B picture starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. Its so much fun when films are mentioned in other films and that leads you to an interesting new path. I'd never heard of this movie until Meredith Eaton's character referenced it in "Unconditional Love". An odd and over the top ending gives this film its worth watching status. 

Women of Horror

Horror films are generally awful. Not big production, cheesy dialogue and fake...Well, everything. Yet, everyone seems to have a child like adoration for certain genres or filmmakers. A childhood thrill, a moment that was actually frightening or an actor/actress that stood out and allowed one to suspend belief for that 90 minutes. And we mine as well say it, adolescent boys (and some girls) love blood, guts, terror and chicks. Here are 3 actresses that transcend the blatant cheapness and become fascinating queens of horror.....

Fay Wray

(Colorization by SM) 

Ms. Wray  starred in several horror / scary / monster flicks, a terrific screamer as well as a good actor. 

"The Vampire Bat" (1933) - Not too scary, a little bit stilted but over all a pretty good film. How can you go wrong with Fay Wray and Melvyn Douglas? 

Ingrid Pitt 

The stuff of young boy's fantasies, vampires and lusty bosoms. Ingrid Pitt was beautiful and flirty, an evil vixen style with a great sense of timing. She led a fascinating life as actress, writer and pilot. 

"The Wicker Man" (1973) -  A decent film, Ms. Pitt doesn't have a huge role, but its intriguing. It pulls you in waiting for the horror. More spooky than gory. A rumored sequel is in the works. Its too bad Ms. Pitt isn't here to make a cameo.

Barbara Steele 

Some people are just born with the right look for the right time. Barbara Steele is one. She has the dark intensity, is beautiful but not pretty and yet occasionally gives off a delicate 'rescue me' softness. 

 "The Ghost" (1963) - Almost more humorous than scary, Barbara is able to carry herself so rigidly, floating across the screen- she holds up her own against the scariest moments. "B" movie at its most fun!

Bette Davis Eyes

There is no one that does Bette Davis eyes better than Ruth Elizabeth Davis. Her ability to look her co star square in the face, flash those eyes and appear innocently dangerous allows the viewer to love and hate her at the same time. Like Ms. Lauren Bacall, Ms. Davis has some of the most quoted and memorable lines in movie history. "Its going to be a bumpy ride" is used often in American jargon. 

Along with other Hollywood elites, Ms. Davis participated in activities to assist in the war efforts. Using her celebrity to sell war bonds and partnering in the HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN.

Several of her films are on my top 20 list of films to be watched again every few years. 

"Petrified Forest" (1936) - Incredibly moody, taking place mainly on one set, this film stars Davis along with Humphrey Bogart and Leslie Howard. Bette is costumed by Orry-Kelly, which allows another level of ethereal drama to the character.

"Mr. Skeffington" (1944) - Rarely do I have a problem stating the book is so much better than the film. In this case its a toss up - Doesn't matter which way you do it, read or watch first, they are equally enjoyable. Just look at the dangerous innocence in her eyes, Bette becomes the beautiful gold digging Mrs. Skeffington, completely unashamed of her desires and yet so unaware of there being a problem with these attitudes.

"All About Eve" (1950) - Filled with terrific performances, I'm admittedly a little bit distracted by Marilyn's few moments on screen as well as the surrounding cast, Thelma Ritter, Gary Merrill, Celeste Holm and the elegant George Sanders. Happy go lucky actress or stressed out star, Bette lilts from emotion to emotion with grace. Putting on her game face seems torturous yet the characters knowledge and determination carries over again through subtle changes in her face.